Gerald Lee Soffa

Gerald “Jerry” Soffa (91) died on March 8th, 2025, at Springbrook Assisted Living of Onalaska, WI. He was born to Elias “Leo” & Carole (Pitcher) Soffa on May 3rd, 1933. He attended Central High School and La Crosse State Teacher’s College before being drafted by the U.S. Army. He entered the Army in 1953 and was part of the 3rd Infantry Garrison Security Force in Korea. He was on the Honor Flight on September 20th, 2014.

Most of his employment was with McLoone Metal Graphics and he retired as V.P. of Manufacturing and Plant Manager in 1996. He and Joyce spent 25 years adventuring in Arizona. They had many friends in Trilogy at Power Ranch.

He is survived by his wife Joyce (Appleman) Soffa of 63 years, son Dan (Susan) Soffa, daughter Amy (Jeff) Schomburg, 3 grandchildren Cole (Shelby) Soffa, Lucas Schomburg and Emma Schomburg, a brother Rod (Karen) Soffa, sister-in-law Laurie (Steve) Soffa, in-laws Pete & Jennifer Kingslien, John & Karn Appleman, and Peter & Corrine Appleman.

He is preceded in death by his parents Elias & Carole, his sisters Sue Mahlum and Judy Kimball, as well as his brother Steve Soffa.

A celebration of life will be held at First Congregational Church at a later date. Date and time will be posted here when available. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the La Crosse Boys & Girls Club, the Salvation Army or the La Crosse Humane Society.

Jerry’s family thanks the caregivers at Springbrook, the Mayo Hospice team as well as Heather from the VA.